The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s graduating Haslam Leadership Scholars cohort formally established the “2022 Haslam Leadership Scholars Legacy Scholarship Endowment” for future students shortly before spring commencement.  

The endowment was announced by graduating Haslam Leadership Scholar Lisa Patel during the program’s annual commencement banquet held at Cherokee Country Club on May 12, 2026. The initiative, led by graduate Addie Heehs, comes from a place of gratitude for the opportunities made possible by the Haslam Leadership Scholars program. The $50,000 scholarship endowment will be funded by the 14 scholars in the cohort. 

The new endowment will provide support for undergraduate students with financial need, a contribution the cohort defines as a continuation of all they received through the Haslam Leadership Scholars program.  

“We recognize that financial barriers should never stand between a talented, driven student and their education, and this endowment is our commitment to help those students for generations to come,” said Patel. “By creating this legacy, we are ensuring that future students have access to an education at a place that is near and dear to our hearts—so that this program, these friendships, this community can happen again and again long after we are gone.” 

The cohort hopes the endowment will create a legacy of students providing students the opportunity to have college experiences as fulfilling as theirs.   

The Haslam Leadership Scholars program at UT provides selected scholars the unparalleled opportunity to cultivate leadership skills and inspire positive change in Tennessee and beyond.  

Founded in 2008 through the Haslam family’s generous gift, Haslam Leadership Scholars receive an endowed scholarship covering tuition, fees, housing and support for professional endeavors.  

The cohort-based program develops students with demonstrated leadership, service, and civic engagement values throughout their colligate experience, laying the foundation for opportunities and success post-graduation with its community building and experiential learning structure.